Top Five Underrated Song

Ashtyn Britt
Writer
abritt@lc.edu

Music is one of the most popular forms of expression in the world. Whether you like to sing songs, write songs, or even sharing them on social media. Music seems to simply have a way of soothing people and making life easier. Unlike most of my peers, I personally have a deeper appreciation for songs not considered popular or heard on the radio. It’s always when I least expect it that I find a truly relatable and meaningful piece of music, and always rush to find someone close to me to show them how amazing it is! So, I’ve decided to pick my top five favorite underrated songs for you, my dear readers, to enjoy as well!

Hackensack by Fountains of Wayne

This song I heard for the first time in the background of a B-rated Ryan Reynolds Christmas themed romantic comedy, and this song quickly became the love I didn’t know I was looking for. The song tells the story of a man who pledges to wait for the return of his one true love from his youth, who has now gone and become a huge success in Hollywood. The sweet song will leave you feeling a nostalgic warmth for that one person you’d always let come back, no matter how much time has passed. For my own someone, if you ever get back to Hackensack, I will still be here for you.

Swimming Pool by The Front Bottoms

Anyone who’s ever felt like they were drowning in the stress of their life should immediately listen to this song. Everything the Front Bottoms has come out with has been beautifully written poetry with a unique musical sound to go with it, and this gem is no exception. When going through a particularly difficult time in my life, I found this song on YouTube and finally had someone put into words exactly how I felt. I still to this day find comfort in listening to this song and knowing I’m not the only person who’s ever felt what it’s like to drown in today’s world.

Big Brown Eyes by Old 97’s

If you’ve never fallen in love with somebody who has big, expressive, beautiful brown puppy dog eyes, I highly recommended it. This song played briefly in the series finale of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, and I’ve been in love with it ever since. This song accurately describes how it feels to fall in love with someone, even during a difficult time in life, and to eventually become dependant on seeing those big brown eyes to get through the day. It’s a wonderful feeling to a nice ballad.

Whoever She Is by The Maine

I also found this one day while on YouTube, and it is one of the most beautiful “It gets better,” songs I’ve ever heard. This song describes using a girl as a metaphor for any number of bad things that could wreck your life, and to not let it worry you. This song expresses that you can get through anything as long as you keep soldiering through, and goodness, I love that spirit. This is the song for you when you need a good pick-me-up.

Vagabond by MisterWives

Any fan of the now-canceled MTV series “Finding Carter” will recall this beautifully melancholy song! This song expresses how it feels to roam aimlessly and feeling like you have to keep moving to avoid your problems. As someone who knows how it feels to sometimes busy myself with other tasks to avoid my own feelings, it was cathartic to listen to this song. I know I’m not the only one who dodges some of their issues, and if you feel like some days you need support to feel like you’re not alone, this is a great song for you!

This is what I love most about finding songs that aren’t huge in mainstream media, it feels almost like being in on a secret. It also provides, usually, a story to go with it other than hearing it on the radio while on the way to Walmart. Music is art and in every place is shown should be recognized as such. So, don’t forget to keep your ears open and maybe discover another unknown song that deserves to be loved as well!